Free course teaches people how to set up own business

PEOPLE of all ages looking to start their own businesses attended a council-funded 10-day course in Bridgend.

The free business course, run by the PopUp Business School, took place at the Bridgend Life Centre and focused on teaching people how to get a business off the ground and launch online – without spending any money.

Those attending ranged from the unemployed to the retired and those wanting to run a business in their spare time.

Ashley Wager, 30, said he hoped to start a hand car wash at supermarkets, while Ann-Marie Peers, who is a carer for her autistic son and partner, wants to help other parents in a similar situation.

She said: “My business idea involves working with the parents of children who are on the autism spectrum disorder, helping them with advice and supporting them through my own experience.

“It’s been amazing to learn on the course that it doesn’t have to cost money to start a business – that’s what’s been putting me off for so many years.”

Norman Norris, 61, a former health and safety officer for a property company, attended the course to learn how to run his own photography classes, teaching people how to improve their photos and learn more about their camera equipment.

His wife Veronica, a former textile artist and tutor, is also hoping to run her own course teaching others how to cook and do crafts.

The course allows participants to attend for as many or as few days as they like.

Topics included how to do a tax return and how to set up a website.

Around 80 people attended the course.

The scheme was jointly funded by Valleys to Coast Housing and Bridgend County Borough Council.